HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against a Beaver County man — who retired as a police officer in 2023 — regarding possession of child sexual abuse material.
The Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section charged 68-year-old Peter J. Benedict Jr. on Wednesday with 11 felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and criminal use of a communication facility regarding materials found at Benedict’s home during a search earlier this week.
Benedict served as a police officer in Beaver County, serving as a school resource officer between 2022 and 2023, before retiring in 2023.
The conduct outlined in the charges filed this week did not occur when Benedict served as a police officer.
“This is unacceptable, lewd, criminal behavior for any member of society — let alone someone who took a sworn oath to protect his community as a law enforcement officer,” Attorney General Sunday said. “My Child Predator Section is a team of experienced experts who work proactive investigations to find offenders engaged in criminal conduct online.”
On July 22, agents executed a search warrant at Benedict’s home in Beaver County and seized electronic devices.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the investigation of Benedict is encouraged to contact the Office of Attorney General at 800-385-1044.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Alison Bragle. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # #